Lot 59
59
A rare gilt bronze figure of Vajrapani
PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
A rare gilt bronze figure of Vajrapani

NORTHEASTERN INDIA, PALA PERIOD, 11TH CENTURY

Details
A rare gilt bronze figure of Vajrapani
Northeastern India, Pala Period, 11th century
Standing on a round double-lotus base over a stepped pedestal and holding a vajra in his right hand, wearing a dhoti and jewelry, his face with almond-shaped eyes and gentle smile surmounted by a foliate tiara and a high chignon topped with a finial, flanked on either side by a lotus stem supporting the bell, all backed by a flaming openwork mandorla
12 3/8 in. (32.2 cm.) high
Provenance
Acquired in Hong Kong, 1980s

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Lot Essay

This is a superb example of a Pala-period altarpiece. It displays all the animated and refined characteristics of the mature style that would serve as prototype for later sculptural traditions in the Himalayas. This rare example is fire-gilt as opposed to the common brass alloy.

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